Captain Martinez looked at the group of people in the room, closed his eyes and began to speak, chosing his words very carefuly because he knew that the topic was a sensitive one. "The most urgent matter at hand is keeping Señorita Ferguson safe, No? To do that I propose that ten of my men be placed strategically around the grounds of the Chateau, with yet another group of men and their dogs searching the woods for Señor Ferguson and his men. The Port Authorities have been instructed to allow no one into or out of Port Lira, the new heavy artillery guns are being installed at this time, and the Army has received their new uniforms and equipment, thanks to you Señor. I have instructed some of the men to remain here near the Chateau, there are yet others searching the woods with the dogs, who have been instructed to search everywhere even those areas on the island that are not easily accessible expect by foot." The Captain chuckled and said, "at least the crime rate has gone down thanks to the presence of the newly formed Army and Police force. We have been able to apprehend more criminals than ever before. Most recently we have taken into custody a smuggler and a fugitive from America living under an assumed name. So you see Señorita we are very good at what we do here. Oh, and word has it that there has been a pirate living in the Port for the last eight years, on a stolen boat."
"Who? That crazy old man, with the long white beard?' Dominic asked. "You are talking about old man Pete, are you not? He is harmless Captain, he carves sailboats out of driftwood and gives them to the children. Leave him be! He is no more a threat to anyone in Port Lira than a fish out of water. His days of piracy are long since gone and he is frail. The old boat that he lives is certainly not seaworthy - the bottom of that boat is more than likely so overgrown with kelp and sea-weed, from what I have seen of the anchor chain it is no longer functional. Old man Pete is indeed harmless and certainly will not be going anywhere anytime soon."'
The Captain smiled. "I haven't so much as spoken with him regarding his past. I knew how you would react if I had. Well, I have taken up enough of your time, I still have fifteen more men to find and deputize. Alannah, stay near the house, do not go anywhere by yourself, until your brother is caught I am afraid that your life is in grave danger."